Disabled trans adult being deadnamed by IHSS caregiver in California

Location: California

I'm adult with several disabilities that render me unable to work and cause me to have significant care needs. My care is paid for by MediCal through IHSS. The twist is that my IHSS caregiver is currently my biological mother, whom I am forced to live with due to financial hardship (I was "determined" to be ineligible for SSI though I am appealing that).

I recently began transitioning to be a female in the hopes of improving some of my mental health disabilities. My mother disagrees with my decision and insists on deadnaming me. I am aware that the law doesn't allow me to take action against her as a private citizen, but as she is my full time caregiver who is being paid by IHSS to provide for my needs, this should be illegal under SB219.

I have tried reporting it to the local sheriff's office, but the detective that I spoke with told me that it was a "family issue" and that he wasn't going to get involved. I also tried calling the county Human Services office to request that I be provided with a new caregiver and/or alternate living arrangements, but they told me the same thing as the detective.

I'm at my wits end dealing my abusive mother and I'm not sure what additional resources are available to me or if there is anyone I can appeal to. Any help or advice is appreciated (please do not tell me to just move out of the house as I lack the financial, physical, and mental ability to care for myself).

Posted Dec 29, 2025, 3:02 AM UTC

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